Which of the following describes live loads?

Live loads refer to the variable and dynamic loads that a building or structure must support during its use. These loads typically include the weight of occupants, furniture, movable equipment, and other items that may not be permanently attached to the structure. Additionally, live loads can encompass environmental factors such as snow accumulation or wind loads when they impact the building.

This understanding is crucial in structural engineering and building design because live loads can change over time; therefore, structures must be designed to accommodate these variations without compromising safety or functionality. Recognizing that live loads are not fixed but rather fluctuate based on use and conditions helps in creating more resilient and adaptive structures.

In contrast, the other responses describe different types of loads, such as dead loads, which are the permanent loads from materials and construction that are always present. Temporary loads, like those from construction activities, also fall outside the definition of live loads, as do the inherent structural loads of the building itself, which do not vary in the same way.